Net build process for seating subassembly

ABSTRACT

A method for assembling a vehicle seat subassembly includes positioning a first bracket and a second bracket in a base fixture. With the first and second brackets in the base fixture, first and second pins are welded within respective apertures in the first bracket, an alignment plate is positioned in a location on the second bracket using a secondary fixture engaging with the first and second pins, and the alignment plate is welded to the second bracket.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a method for assembling avehicle seat component or subassembly. In particular, an easy-entryarticulating seatback subassembly is assembled using a single basefixture in a net building process.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of vehicle seats are designed to implement variousadjustment modes, including sliding longitudinally within the associatedvehicle, along with reclining of the seatback with respect to the baseof the seat. Vehicle seats intended for certain locations within avehicle may further be able to implement an easy entry mode, allowing asingle action to both move the seat to a forward-most position withinthe vehicle, while simultaneously angling the seatback forward withrespect to the base. Various mechanisms and subassemblies can beincluded in the seat to both achieve such movement and to maintain theseat in the resulting position until a user desires the seat to bereturned to the original configuration. Such mechanisms may requireaccurate relative locations of the various components such that thetiming of the various relative movements is correct and such thatvarious features engage or disengage, as desired. Various assemblymethods requiring multiple stages and movement of in-processsubassemblies between different fixtures for the assembly of specificcomponents can introduce tolerance stackups, resulting in inaccuratepositioning of components and unreliable operation of the mechanism.Accordingly, further advances may be desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a method forassembling a vehicle seat subassembly includes positioning a firstbracket and a second bracket in a base fixture. With the first andsecond brackets in the base fixture, first and second pins are weldedwithin respective apertures in the first bracket, an alignment plate ispositioned in a location on the second bracket using a secondary fixtureengaging with the first and second pins, and the alignment plate iswelded to the second bracket.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method forassembling a vehicle seat subassembly includes temporarily fixing, in areference position, a first bracket rotatably coupled with a secondbracket. With the first and second brackets fixed, first and second pinsare welded in respective apertures in the first bracket, an alignmentplate is positioned on the second bracket with respect to the first andsecond pins, and the alignment plate is welded to the second bracket.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle seatsubassembly includes a first bracket and a second bracket rotatablycoupled with the first bracket. First and second pins are welded to thefirst bracket, and an alignment plate is welded to the second bracket.First and second datum points along the alignment plate are positionedat first and second reference dimensions from the first pin and thesecond pin, respectively, when the second bracket is in a referenceposition with respect to the first bracket.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present inventionwill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a vehicle seat subassembly, shownin place on a partial vehicle seat frame;

FIGS. 2A-2D are side views of a vehicle seat in various stages of aneasy-entry movement mode facilitated by the subassembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the vehicle seat subassembly ofFIG. 1 in an easy-entry configuration provided thereby;

FIG. 4 is the vehicle seat subassembly of FIG. 1 with various componentsremoved to illustrate various relative spatial relationships betweenother components;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevational detail view of portions of the subassemblyof FIG. 1;

FIGS. 6-8 are front perspective views of an in-process subassemblyduring various stages of a fabrication process therefor;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational detail view of a fixture used inconnection with the subassembly during a step of fabrication thereof;and

FIG. 10 is a flowchart depicting a method for fabricating thesubassembly of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “interior,”“exterior,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention asoriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the inventionmay assume various alternative orientations, except where expresslyspecified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specificdevices and processes illustrated in the attached drawing, and describedin the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of theinventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specificdimensions and other physical characteristics relating to theembodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting,unless the claims expressly state otherwise. Additionally, unlessotherwise specified, it is to be understood that discussion of aparticular feature of component extending in or along a given directionor the like does not mean that the feature or component follows astraight line or axis in such a direction or that it only extends insuch direction or on such a plane without other directional componentsor deviations, unless otherwise specified.

Referring to FIGS. 1-9, reference numeral 8 generally designates avehicle seat subassembly. Subassembly 8 includes a first bracket 10 anda second bracket 12 rotatably coupled with the first bracket 10. A firstpivot pin 16 and a second pivot pin 18 are welded to the first bracket10. An alignment plate 24 is welded to the second bracket 12 with afirst datum point 32 and a second datum point 34 along alignment plate24 are positioned at a first reference distance 36 and a secondreference distance 38 from the first pivot pin 16 and the second pivotpin 18, respectively, when the second bracket 12 is in a referenceposition (e.g. at reference angle 40) with respect to the first bracket10.

Referring to FIG. 10, a method for assembling a vehicle seat component,such as subassembly 8, includes positioning the first bracket 10 and thesecond bracket 12, in a base fixture 14 (FIG. 6). With the first bracket10 and second bracket 12 in the base fixture 14, the first pivot pin 16and the second pivot pin 18 are welded into respective apertures 20, 22in first bracket 10 (FIG. 7), alignment plate 24 is positioned in alocation on the second bracket 12 using a secondary fixture 26 (FIG. 8)engaging with the first pivot pin 16 and the second pivot pin 18, andalignment plate 24 is welded to the second bracket 12. As explainedfurther herein, the above-described method is useful in producing thedisclosed subassembly 8, as in one embodiment, the base fixture 14 canretain second bracket 12 in a position with respect to first bracket 10such that second bracket 12 is rotationally positioned at the referenceangle 40 with respect to first bracket 10. While in such a position, thesecondary fixture 26 can be used to place alignment plate 24 in aposition such that the first datum point 32 is at the first referencedistance 36 from first pivot pin 16 and the second datum point 34 is atthe second reference distance 38 from the second pivot pin 18.

With additional reference to FIGS. 2A-2D, the thusly assembledsubassembly 8 can be included in a vehicle seat 28, such as a middle-rowseat in a three-row seating arrangement in a vehicle having four doors.Similarly, vehicle seat 28 can be a driver or front passenger seat in avehicle with two rows of seating and two doors (i.e. a “two-plus-two”vehicle). In particular, first bracket 10 may be coupled with a seatbase frame 46 or other similar structure (depending on the particularconstruction of seat 28). A seat back frame 50, or similar structure,can be coupled with second bracket 12 such that the rotational movementof second bracket 12 with respect to first bracket 10 can facilitaterotation of seat back 52 with respect to seat base 48. Such rotation canbe in one of two modes, the first such mode being regular reclining ordeclining of seat back 52 with respect to seat base 48, which isimplemented by recliner mechanism 41 selectively allowing and preventingsuch movement upon manipulation of recline lever 54.

A second such mode can be in an easy-entry movement, wherein seatback 52is moved into a maximum forward (i.e. declined) position (FIG. 2B) andin which seat base 48 moves to a forward position (FIGS. 2C and 2D)along tracks 58, which couple vehicle seat 28 within the vehicle. Such amovement mode can be implemented by a user manipulating entry lever 56,such as by pulling upwardly thereon. To facilitate such movement,manipulation of entry lever 56 can cause recliner mechanism 41 to entera secondary mode, wherein second bracket 12 is permitted to freely moveforward with respect to first bracket 10, but which rearward movement ofsecond bracket 12 (and thusly, seatback 52) is restricted to movementback to the initial position (FIG. 2A).

Similarly, track 58, which may include a sliding mechanism therein thatis moveable by a motor or by a selectively releasable mechanismactuatable, for example, by a lever. Manipulation of release lever 56may, accordingly, and through the actuation and interaction betweenvarious additional features, including portions of subassembly 8, resultin track 58 becoming disengaged from such a mechanism or permit movementof base 48 along a secondary track (either according to various knownmechanisms). In particular, and with reference to FIG. 3, uponmanipulation of release lever 56 and the accompanying release of secondbracket 12 from first bracket 10, engagement plate 42 can be releasedfrom an initial position (FIG. 1), wherein subsequent movement ofseatback 52 in the forward (declining) direction, such as from theposition shown in FIG. 2A to the position shown in FIG. 2B, can causealignment plate tab 60 to catch engagement plate pin 62 (which may befacilitated by movement of engagement plate 42 into an intermediateposition) and move alignment plate 24 in the indicated direction into arelease position, as shown in FIG. 3. The movement of engagement plateinto the release position may disengage seat base 48, as describedabove, for forward movement thereof along track 58, which may be underuser force, by a spring force, or a combination thereof. Further, asillustrated in FIG. 1, when engagement plate 42 is in the initialposition thereof, it may engage with blocking cam 44 to retain blockingcam 44 in an initial position thereof. Accordingly, when engagementplate 42 moves out of its initial position by rotation 70, blocking cam44 can move, including under a spring-biasing force or the like, out ofthe initial position thereof by rotation 72.

Once blocking cam 44 is released from the initial position thereof andwhen second bracket 12 is moved by rotation 68 into the forward positionshown in FIG. 3, a block 66 on one end of blocking cam 44 can engagewith a notch 64 on alignment plate 24 to retain second bracket 12 and,accordingly, seatback 52 in the forward position (FIGS. 2A-2D). Seat 28and, accordingly, subassembly 8 may, thusly, remain in the respectivepositions illustrated in FIGS. 2D and 3 to facilitate entry into theassociated vehicle by passing behind seat 28. When such entry iscomplete, a user can force seat 28 rearwardly, such as against thespring force previously mentioned, with blocking cam 44 continuing tosecond bracket 12 in the forward position. Once seat 28 has beenreturned to the initial fore-aft position, such as illustrated in FIG.2B, the end 73 of blocking cam 44 opposite bock 66 can contact a catchor other feature that causes movement thereof back to the initialposition, which withdraws block 66 from notch 64, thereby allowingsecond bracket 12 to move back to the initial position of FIG. 1 andfurther allowing seatback 52 to move back to the position of FIG. 2A.Movement of second bracket 12 back toward the initial position alsoallows engagement plate 42 to rotate back to the initial position, whichcan cause track 58 to re-engage, thereby retaining seat 28 in theinitial fore-aft position.

Based on the above-described relative motion and interaction ofcomponents of subassembly 8, it can be seen that the relativepositioning of alignment plate 24 on second bracket 12 with respect toengagement plate 42 and blocking cam 44 may be important for properfunctioning of subassembly 8 within the easy-entry movement mode of theassociated seat 28. In an example, if alignment plate 24 is not properlypositioned, as described above, the rotational limits of engagementplate 42 may prevent block 66 from engaging with notch 64 when secondbracket 12 is in the forward position of FIG. 3, thereby preventingseatback 52 from being retained in the corresponding forward position.In particular, as shown in FIG. 4, the distance 61 between first pivotpin 16 and tab 60, as well as the distance 63 between second pivot pin18 and notch 64, are important for proper operation of theabove-described functionality. As can be appreciated from the above, theparticular values for distances 61 and 63 may depend on the particularconfigurations of engagement plate 42, blocking cam 44, and alignmentplate 24, which may vary according to the construction of subassembly 8.As further illustrated in FIG. 4, the configuration of alignment plate24 may relate distances 61 and 63 to reference distances 36 and 38,depending on the relative positioning of datum points 32 and 34 withrespect to tab 60 and notch 64. In variations of alignment plate 24using features with similar functionality, but different construction totab 60 and notch 64, a similar relationship may be achieved based on theutilized component geometry. The interaction of the various components,including of block 66 with notch 64 and pin 62 with tab 60 is shown infurther detail in FIG. 5.

With reference to FIGS. 6-9, a “net build” process for assembling thevarious components of subassembly 8 is described in greater detail. Inparticular, as shown in FIG. 6, the process can begin by placing aninitial assembly of the first bracket 10 and the second bracket 12,which are rotatably coupled together by recliner mechanism 41 (or atleast a portion thereof) into base fixture 14. In this sense, a firststep may be to assemble the first bracket 10, second bracket 12, and therecliner mechanism 41, although in some variations, such an initialassembly may already be complete. Base fixture 14 is shown in an exampleform, but can vary in structure according to various considerations. Ingeneral, base fixture 14 is structured to maintain second bracket 12 ina fixed position with respect to first bracket 10, including in a fixedrotational position about the axis of recliner mechanism 41, which maybe in only partial form (thereby preventing locking thereof) or mayinclude some internal play, even when locked, that is outside the rangeof tolerance for subassembly 8. As previously mentioned, the fixedrotational position may be such that second bracket 12 is at thereference angle 40 with respect to second bracket 12. The referenceangle 40 may correspond with, for example, the rearward-most position ofsecond bracket 12 during the intended operation of seat 28 or anotherposition, which may be determined based on assembly and/or toleranceconditions or analysis. Further, base fixture 14 can be structured tostably support first bracket 10 and second bracket 12, both in generaland relative to each other.

Additionally, base fixture 14 includes a first alignment aperture 74 anda second alignment aperture 76 respectively adjacent to the firstaperture 20 and the second aperture 22 in first bracket 10. Alignmentapertures 74 and 76 may respectively receive corresponding portions offirst pivot pin 16 and second pivot pin 18 to locate pivot pins 16 and18 relative to base fixture 14, thereby compensating for variations inthe positioning of apertures 20 and 22 in first bracket 10. As such theapertures 20 and 22 in first bracket 10 may be oversized relative to therespective portions of first and second pivot pins 16 and 18 receivedtherein to allow for positioning thereof according to base fixture 14.As shown in FIG. 7, first pivot pin 16 can be assembled with firstbracket 10 by positioning thereof within aperture 20 in first bracket 10and within alignment aperture 74 of base fixture 14. Similarly, secondpivot pin 18 can be assembled with first bracket 10 by positioningthereof within aperture 20 in first bracket 10 and within alignmentaperture 76 of base fixture 14. First pivot pin 16 and second pivot pin18 can then be welded to first bracket 10 to fix the assembly therewithin the particular location dictated by the fit of first bracket 10 andfirst and second pivot pins 16, 18 with base fixture 14.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, alignment plate 24 can then be assembled withsecond bracket 12 while the in-process subassembly 8 remains within basefixture 14. Accordingly, the temporary fixation of second bracket 12within base fixture 14 is not only in a desired position (i.e. at thereference angle 40) with respect to first bracket 10, but further, withrespect to the locations of pivot pins 16 and 18 dictated by basefixture 14. In this manner, secondary fixture 26 can be assembled ontofirst pivot pin 16 and second pivot pin 18 to locate alignment plate 24with respect to the locations of first pivot pin 16 and second pivot pin18 dictated by base fixture 14.

In the example shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, secondary fixture 26 can engagewith alignment plate 24 at the first datum point 32 and the second datumpoint 34, which may be in the form of locating features along alignmentplate 24. In particular, first datum point 32 may be in the form of atwo-way locator aperture 86 and second datum point 34 may be in the formof a four-way locator aperture 86. Secondary fixture 26 may includelocator pins 88 and 90 that respectively engage with the locatorapertures 84 and 86. In particular, a first locator pin 88 can be in theform of an extruded, elongate diamond that fits in a fixed locationwithin locator aperture 84 along the latitudinal and longitudinal axesthereof, while allowing for slight rotation about first datum point 32.Second locator pin 90 can be generally cylindrical so as to fit withinlocation aperture 86, which may be generally round.

Secondary fixture 26 can include a body 92 having a profile 94 that cangenerally match that of alignment plate 24. Further, profile 94 can beconfigured to make partial contact with alignment plate 24 when locatorpins 88 and 90 are engaged with locator apertures 84 and 86 (which maybe positioned on respective arms 96 and 98) to provide additionallocating and/or retention of alignment plate 24 with secondary fixture26. Such an arrangement may allow for an assembly step wherein secondaryfixture 26 is assembled with alignment plate 24 prior to any assembly ofalignment plate 24 with second bracket 12 or of secondary fixture 26with pivot pins 16 and 18. In such a step, the temporarily-assembledalignment plate 24 and secondary fixture 26 can then be assembled withthe in-process subassembly 8 by engagement of apertures 74 and 76 ofsecondary fixture 26 with first pivot pin 16 and second pivot pin 18,respectively. This step, by the construction of secondary fixture 26 canbring alignment plate 24 into an appropriate position along surface 82of second bracket 12 such that first datum point 32 is at referencedistance 36 with respect to first pivot pin 16 and second datum point 34is at reference distance 38 with respect to second pin 18 when secondbracket 12 is at the reference angle 40 with respect to the firstbracket 10.

In a subsequent step, alignment plate 24 is fixed with second bracket 12by welding, as needed to achieve a desired bond therebetween. When thewelding is complete, secondary fixture 26 is removed and the completedsubassembly 8 is removed from base fixture 14. With alignment plate 24being positioned on second bracket 12 such that the above-describedrelationship among features is realized when second bracket 12 is at thereference angle 40 with respect to first bracket 10. As explained above,this relationship can offer improved alignment of engagement plate 42and blocking cam 44 with alignment plate 24 during operation thereof.

It is noted that, as can be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the surface 82 ofsecond bracket 12 with which alignment plate 24 is assembled may be freefrom any features that position alignment plate 24 therewith orotherwise restrict the positioning of alignment plate 24 therealong. Bythis arrangement, the locating of alignment plate 24 on surface 82 isachieves solely by the above-described assembly of secondary fixture 26on pivot pins 16 and 18.

The above described method of assembly may be generally summarized bythe process depicted schematically in FIG. 10, in which after anynecessary preliminary steps, the process starts (step 110) by firstplacing first bracket 10 and second bracket 12 in base fixture 14 (step112). As discussed above, first bracket 10 and second bracket 12 mayfirst be rotatably coupled together, including by way of reclinermechanism 41. Subsequently, pivot pins 16 and 18 are assembled withfirst bracket 10, such as by engagement with apertures 74 and 76 withinbase fixture 14, and are welded into place on first bracket 10 (step114). Pivot pins 16 and 18 are then used as anchor points for secondaryfixture 26, which is assembled therewith to position alignment plate 24on second bracket 12 (step 116). Alignment plate 24 is then welded tosecond bracket 12 before removal of secondary fixture 26 (step 118) andremoval of the resulting subassembly 120 from base fixture 14. Thesubassembly 8 is then completed (step 122). Additional steps may includeassembling engagement plate 42 with first pivot pin 16 and blocking cam44 with second pivot pin 18.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made onthe aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of thepresent invention, and further it is to be understood that such conceptsare intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claimsby their language expressly state otherwise.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connector or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustmentpositions provided between the elements may be varied. It should benoted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

1. A method for assembling a vehicle seat subassembly, comprising:positioning a first bracket and a second bracket in a base fixture; andwith the first and second brackets in the base fixture: welding firstand second pins within respective apertures in the first bracket;positioning an alignment plate in a location on the second bracket usinga secondary fixture engaging with the first and second pins; and weldingthe alignment plate to the second bracket.
 2. The method of claim 1,further including, prior to positioning the first and second brackets inthe base fixture, rotatably coupling the first bracket and secondbracket together.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first bracketand second bracket are rotatably coupled together by a seatback reclinermechanism.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the base fixture retainsthe second bracket in a fixed rotational position with respect to thefirst bracket.
 5. The method of claim 1, further including: removing thesecondary fixture from engagement with the pins; and assembling anengagement plate with the first pin and a blocking cam with the secondpin.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the secondary fixture engageswith the first and second pins such that the location of the alignmentplate on the second bracket is based on relative configurations of theengagement plate, the blocking cam, and the alignment plate tofacilitate operative engagement thereof under a use condition of thesubassembly.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the alignment plateincludes at least one location feature, the secondary fixture furtherengaging with the at least one location feature.
 8. The method of claim1, wherein positioning the alignment plate in the location on the secondbracket includes temporarily assembling the secondary fixture with thealignment plate and engaging the secondary fixture with the first andsecond pins such that the alignment plate is brought into contact withthe second bracket in the location.
 9. A method for assembling a vehicleseat subassembly, comprising: temporarily fixing, in a referenceposition, a first bracket rotatably coupled with a second bracket; andwith the first and second brackets fixed: welding first and second pinsin respective apertures in the first bracket; and positioning analignment plate on the second bracket with respect to the first andsecond pins and welding the alignment plate to the second bracket. 10.The method of claim 9, wherein the first bracket and second bracket arerotatably coupled together by a seatback recliner mechanism affixedtherebetween.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the second bracket istemporarily fixed with the first bracket by temporary assembly thereofwithin a base fixture.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the secondbracket is temporarily fixed with the first bracket at a first angle.13. The method of claim 12, further including, after welding thealignment plate to the second bracket, assembling an engagement platewith the first pin and a blocking cam with the second pin; wherein thealignment plate is positioned on the second bracket with respect to thefirst and second pins based on relative configurations of the engagementplate, the blocking cam, and the alignment plate to facilitate operativeengagement thereof under a use condition of the subassembly includingrotation of the second bracket out of the first angle.
 14. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the alignment plate is positioned on the second bracketwith respect to the first and second pins by temporarily assembling asecondary fixture with the alignment plate and engaging the secondaryfixture with the first and second pins such that the alignment plate isbrought into contact with the second bracket.
 15. The method of claim14, wherein the alignment plate includes at least one location feature,the secondary fixture further engaging with the at least one locationfeature.
 16. A vehicle seat subassembly, comprising: a first bracket; asecond bracket rotatably coupled with the first bracket; first andsecond pins welded to the first bracket; and an alignment plate weldedto the second bracket, wherein first and second datum points along thealignment plate are positioned at first and second reference dimensionsfrom the first pin and the second pin, respectively, when the first andsecond bracket define a reference angle therebetween.
 17. The vehicleseat subassembly of claim 16, further including an engagement platerotatably coupled with the first pin and a blocking cam rotatablyengaged with the second pin.
 18. The vehicle seat subassembly of claim17, wherein the first reference dimension and the second referencedimension are based on relative configurations of the engagement plate,the blocking cam, and the alignment plate to permit operative engagementthereof under a use condition of the subassembly including rotation ofthe second bracket out of the reference position with respect to thefirst bracket.
 19. The vehicle seat subassembly of claim 16, wherein thefirst reference dimension is between the first pin and a first locationfeature of the alignment plate and the second reference dimension isbetween the second pin and a second location feature of the alignmentplate.
 20. The vehicle seat subassembly of claim 16, wherein the firstbracket and the second bracket are rotatably coupled together by aseatback recliner mechanism.